In the 1930s, dental scientists discovered that fluoride reduces cavities. Studies in the 40s and 50s backed up the finding, showing that when fluoride was added to the public water supply, residents had less incidence of tooth decay. Grand Rapids, MI was the first city to fluoridate the public water supply, in 1945.
Fluoride is a naturally occurring compound that’s found in water and soil. During the formative years of a human’s life, fluoride strengthens teeth against decay. Even as adults, fluoride has a positive influence against dental cavities and can remineralize, or rebuild, tooth structure to some degree.
A chip, crack, or imperfection on your front teeth can ruin a beautiful smile. Though we hate to admit it, new acquaintances often judge us based on our appearance, and studies show that a smile is one of the first things people notice. Other research tells us that an attractive smile makes us appear more intelligent, friendly, and successful. For minor imperfections, like a chipped front tooth, I often recommend affordable and effective cosmetic bonding.
At a dental cleaning visit, we remove built up plaque and hardened plaque, called tartar or calculus. Plaque is the yellowish, sticky, smelly substance produced by bacteria in your mouth. It's plaque and tartar that irritate gums and lead to gum disease, a progressive condition that affects about 80{dcbe0cd52ce35e2f156887e14605e24111ce99c14f01d3853732956d43020bdd} of American adults. Your hygienist will let you know if your gums show signs of disease, and she can also help you chose the best oral healthcare products to use at home. If you have any questions about brushing, flossing, or taking care of your mouth, be sure to ask.
I’m sure we all remember being told to brush our teeth as a little kid. It seems like getting the kids to brush their teeth now a days is a chore, too. It’s unfortunate that teaching kids good brushing habits is so difficult, but the truth is that it’s incredibly important. Healthy habits start young and impact oral health throughout your lifetime. I am Dr. Corbet Locke of Waco Dental and I want to tell you about the importance of maintaining healthy habits.
What would it take to give you a youthful, bright, beautiful smile? As a cosmetic dentist, I’d like to sit down with you and talk about your vision of the perfect smile. We can discuss the attributes you like and dislike about your own smile, as well as the smiles you admire. After a clinical examination and consultation, I’ll work with you to develop a practical treatment plan to give you a smile you’ll feel proud to share.
I’m Dr. Corbett Locke, and on behalf of my team, I want to welcome you to our new blog. Here you’ll find important information about dental health, overall health, and how to take care of your smile for a high-quality life.